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The state of Virginia has the nickname of the “Old Dominion State”. It is also called the “Mother State” because it was the first to be colonized. Are you searching for more information about your ancestors who once lived in Virginia? Try using some of the Virginia genealogy resources that are linked to in this blog. The answers could be somewhere within them! Cyndi’s List is, quite possibly, the most comprehensive collections of links to online genealogy resources. If it exists on the internet, then Cyndi’s List probably has a link to it! They have a page called “United States … Continue reading →

Yesterday, I blogged about Crossroads, a new green homeless shelter that is about to open in East Oakland, Calif. But, it was not the first homeless shelter certified green. The Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax, Va. opened August 4th of last year. The 16,931 square foot shelter was among the first to receive the Green Globes certification. The Green Globes certification is awarded to structures by the Green Building Initiative of Portland, Ore. The shelter, which can hold up to 20 families, offers an eco-friendly, safe, and secure environment where the families can stay while trying to get … Continue reading →

It doesn’t get much more patriotic than a parade down Main Street, children waving flags, picnics, barbeques, and fireworks on the Fourth of July. But not everyone stays home to celebrate Independence Day. Many families use the long holiday weekend as a springboard for an extended summer vacation, which is why dozens of lodgings around the country are offering spectacular savings just in time for next month’s big bash. Here’s a look at some of the top travel packages being offered to festive families looking to make the most of the Fourth of the July holiday: VERMONT Travel to Warren, … Continue reading →

Warning: These Valentine’s Day getaways are not for casual daters. The following travel packages feature ultra-romantic environments designed for couples that aren’t afraid to be hit with Cupid’s arrows. Taking advantage of these deals could cause your pulse to race and your heart to melt. Don’t say I didn’t warn you… VIRGINIA The Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Virginia is offering an All-American Weekend package for Valentine’s Day. It includes a night’s stay at the 483-room resort for $300 per night per couple. The resort is set in the Allegheny Mountains and offers spectacular scenery and even better skiing. If … Continue reading →

Easter is just two months away, which means many parents are already making plans for their children’s spring break from school. Do you have your family’s holiday trip finalized yet? If you answered no, perhaps this blog can help. I’m continuing my series of blogs, which focus on kid-friendly vacation destinations across the United States that offer more than just a backdrop for a great family snapshots. Every family wants to have a relaxing enjoyable time while on a break, but vacations are also great opportunities to learn about new cultures and take part in hands-on history lessons, especially if … Continue reading →

In less than 48 hours the Christmas gifts will be opened and the mountains of wrapping paper will be disposed of… then what? Most kids are out of school until the first week of January, so why not beat the cabin fever blues by taking advantage of the travel deals being offered by family-friendly resorts around the country. Resorts are ramping up for post-Christmas family getaways and whether you live on the East Coast of the United States, the West Coast or somewhere in between there are numerous themed packages and special offers to help keep the holiday spirit alive … Continue reading →

Who says there’s nothing to do in the state of Idaho? If the idea of propelling your body through the air at 55 mph 3,000 feet up gets your adrenaline flowing then you should be booking a trip to the “The Gem State” right now. That’s what the owner of a new motorized zipline is hoping you’ll do once word gets out that visitors can fly like a bird near the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. The adventure ride is part of a proposed thrill park. The new zipline is called the Flight Stimulator and is part of the … Continue reading →

If your family loves water parks then start planning a vacation to Virginia. That’s where Kalahari Resorts plans to open a new $200 million African-themed resort and indoor water park. Resort officials made the announcement earlier this week and selected Fredericksburg as the site for the massive undertaking. City officials say the resort will be built next to the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center at Celebrate Virginia, a 2,400-acre residential and commercial development along Interstate 95, about 55 miles south of the nation’s capital. And don’t worry about missing the new attraction as you drive down the highway—-in all likelihood … Continue reading →

David Baldacci is best known for his suspense novels, but in “Wish You Well,” he takes a departure from his normal genre and gives us a literary look into the heart and soul of the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia in the 1940’s. Louisa Mae Cardinal, who prefers to be called Lou, is the twelve-year-old daughter of Jack Cardinal, a celebrated novelist. She wants to be just like him and spends hours scribbling in her own notebook. But despite Jack’s fame, he doesn’t have the income to support his family, and wants to move to California to become a screen writer. … Continue reading →

The Great American Scrapbook Convention (GASC) is a true favorite among scrapbookers worldwide. International scrapbookers have been known to travel thousands of miles, just to take classes and shop for items that might not otherwise have access too. It is pretty darn popular in the United States too. GASC originally started in Arlington, Texas as a rather small event, and has grown in absolute leaps and bounds, to include more classes than one can imagine, hundreds of booths and dozens of fun activities. It is also a great place for scrapbook companies to show case their latest products. The annual … Continue reading →